Understanding homelessness
Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that can affect anyone.
Understanding its nuances of homelessness is essential for fostering empathy and driving effective solutions.
What is homelessness?
Homelessness extends beyond the absence of physical shelter; it encompasses the lack of a safe, secure, and stable environment. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines an individual as homeless if their current living arrangement:
- Is in a dwelling that is inadequate.
- Has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable.
- Does not allow them to have control of, and access to, space for social relations.
This perspective highlights that homelessness is not merely ‘rooflessness’ but the absence of a place to call ‘home,’ characterised by security, privacy, and the ability to engage in social activities.
In South Australia, there are 7,428 people in South Australia experiencing homelessness. (2021 ABS Census). This is a 19.3% increase since the 2016 Census. At Hutt St Centre we believe this number to be much higher.
Categories of Homelessness
Mackenzie and Chamberlain’s cultural definition categorises homelessness into three distinct types:
Primary Homelessness
Individuals without conventional accommodation, such as those sleeping rough or in improvised dwellings.
Secondary Homelessness
Individuals frequently moving between temporary shelters, including emergency accommodations or staying with friends and relatives ('couch surfing').
Tertiary Homelessness
Individuals residing in accommodations that fall below minimum community standards, like boarding houses or caravan parks.
This classification acknowledges the diverse experiences of homelessness beyond just sleeping on the streets.
Hutt St Centre’s perspective
At Hutt St Centre, we view homelessness as a state where individuals lack access to safe and secure shelter that meets basic standards, ensuring health, personal safety, and opportunities for social inclusion. This includes the availability of cooking facilities and amenities for personal hygiene.
Why the language we use matters
We prefer the term ‘people experiencing homelessness’ over labels like ‘the homeless.’ This phrasing recognises that, for many, homelessness is a temporary situation rather than a defining characteristic, promoting a more respectful and person-centred approach.